There’s no shame in mental illness

After reading Frederick W. Hines’s commentary on the lack of mental health care in Bexar County, I asked myself, “How does this happen?” My answer: Because we don’t talk about it. Perhaps we’re ashamed or embarrassed. Or we think we’re the only ones battling these problems. We’re not. We’re not alone.

My brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was in his early 20s. Before then, his use of marijuana and alcohol was attributed to “bad behavior” or rebellion. Then we learned he was self-medicating, trying to silence the voices that were tormenting him.

For years, my family kept his illness private because we were well aware of the stigma. We didn’t want people to judge him or treat him differently. We wanted people to accept him. We feared that sharing his story or my family’s struggles would harm him or impede his personal growth.

I shared my family’s story for the first time publicly at the one-year anniversary of One in Five Minds (1in5minds.org) — a mental health advocacy campaign sponsored by Clarity Child Guidance Center designed to encourage conversation, compassion and healing for those battling mental health issues.

The outpouring of support has been immeasurable and the sense of relief overwhelming. Undoubtedly, the stigma has been lessened.

If you have a loved one who’s battling mental illness, please don’t be ashamed or scared. Share your story. Ask for help.

It’s the first step toward healing — and the only way our community leaders will know our needs for more mental health care.